Ball throwing training and strengthening device

ABSTRACT

This invention relates generally to training a user how to correctly throw a ball, and more specifically, a training, physical, or occupational therapy aid that can be used to strengthen and rehabilitate a user&#39;s muscles and joints.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/904,917 filed on Nov. 15, 2013 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people have the desire for correcting the way they throw a ball. In the sport of baseball, it is common for pitchers to have poor form when pitching the ball. One of the most common improper ways of pitching a ball is termed a “side arm.” Repetitive side arm motions can result in debilitating deterioration of the elbow joint and ligament, otherwise known as a Tommy John, affectionately named after the first baseball player to undergo surgery for this type of injury. This injury ultimately requires invasive surgery to repair the elbow joint and ligament. Surgery required for correcting this injury is known as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. In the event that the surgery is not successful, the player's career could end.

Also problematic is the injury that young ball players can sustain from an improper throwing technique. If the growth plate, the medial epicondylar epiphysis, is still open, repeatedly throwing in a side arm fashion will exert excessive force on the growth plate and cause failure in this location, rather than at the ulnar collateral ligament. This injury is commonly known as “Little League Elbow,” and although it does not require reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament, it is still a very devastating injury for a young ball player to sustain. However, injuries caused by improper throwing techniques can be prevented by the use of correct throwing techniques.

Currently, there are devices available, such as an elbow brace, which assists with correctly positioning the arm during ball throwing. There are also devices available for strengthening the arm or shoulder. In addition, there are devices available that assist the user with throwing a ball or other object across a distance. However, these devices do not assist with training a user to improve or correct their throw, or to strengthen a user's arm or shoulder after an injury. Consequently, there is a need for a ball throwing training device that is easy and intuitive to use.

The present invention overcomes several of the deficiencies, disadvantages and undesired parameters associated with known ball throwing training apparatuses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a unique ball throwing training device. The ball throwing training device has a longitudinal body portion containing a proximal end and a distal end. The device also has a first ball shaped object coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion. In one embodiment of the ball throwing training device, the longitudinal body portion is made from an inflexible material. The inflexible material can be fiberglass, metal, plastic or wood. Additionally, the longitudinal body portion can be made up of two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size. The two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size can be joined together by any means. Optionally, the longitudinal body portion can have a moveable portion proximate to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion. The moveable portion can be a pivot joint, a flexible portion, or a spring mechanism. The moveable portion can also have a locking mechanism to prevent the moveable portion from moving or bending. The first ball-shaped object can be coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion via mechanical means. The mechanical means can be a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or an adhesive. The first ball-shaped object can be any size. Optionally, the first ball-shaped object can be a ball, such as, for example, a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, or a football. Optionally, the ball throwing training device can have a second ball-shaped object coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion. The second ball-shaped object can be any size. The second ball-shaped object can be a ball, and it could be a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, or a football. The second ball-shaped object can be coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion via mechanical means. The mechanical means can be a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or adhesive. Optionally, a strap can be coupled to the device and the user.

The invention is also a method of using the ball throwing training device. The method of using the ball throwing training device includes the steps of first grasping the first ball-shaped object in the user's hand, placing the longitudinal body portion underneath the user's arm and against the user's side, then placing the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion against the lower back of the user such that the user's hand holding the first ball-shaped object is above shoulder height and rotating the user's arm such that the hand holding the first ball-shaped object rotates from above the user's shoulder height to below the user's shoulder. The rotation of the user's arm forward lifts the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion.

The invention can also be used as an arm and shoulder strengthening device. The strengthening device has a longitudinal body portion and a first ball-shaped object. The longitudinal body portion has a proximal end and a distal end and the first ball-shaped object is coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion. Optionally, the longitudinal body portion can be made up of two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size. The arm strengthening device can also have a second ball-shaped object coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion. Optionally, a strap can be coupled to the device and the user.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a ball throwing training device;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example of the mechanical means by which the first ball-shaped object is coupled to the distal end of the stick portion of the ball throwing training device;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a ball throwing training device with a flexible portion in the distal end;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exploded view of the flexible portion of the ball throwing training device;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the movement of the flexible portion of the ball throwing training device;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an exploded view of the flexible portion of the ball throwing training device;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an example of the flexible portion of the ball throwing training device;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of the ball throwing training device in use; and

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a harness affixed to the ball throwing training device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

As used herein, the following terms and variations thereof have the meanings given below, unless a different meaning is clearly intended by the contest in which such term is used.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar referents used herein are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless their usage in context indicates otherwise.

As used in this disclosure, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers ingredients or steps.

The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention and several variations of that embodiment. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well.

Ball Throwing Training Device

The device described herein can be used as a ball throwing training device used to train a user to correctly throw a ball, or as an arm and shoulder strengthening device. The device can also be used in physical or occupational therapy as an aid to strengthen a user's arm and shoulder. In use, the device engages the user's arm, shoulder, neck and trunk muscles, such as, for example, forearm flex muscles, forearm extensor muscles, biceps, triceps, deltoids, chest muscles, side muscles, and trapezius muscles. It is contemplated that adults and children of any size can use the device.

FIGS. 1A and 1B shows a diagram of a ball throwing training device 100. The ball throwing training device has a longitudinal body portion 114 and a first ball-shaped object 102 coupled to the longitudinal body portion. The head portion 110 couples the first ball-shaped object to the longitudinal body portion 114. The length of longitudinal body portion 114 can be extended or shortened to accommodate users of different sizes and physiology. The longitudinal body portion 114 can be made up of one body portion, or it can segmented and made up of different sized longitudinal body portions as shown by first segmented longitudinal body portion 104, second segmented longitudinal body portion 106, and third segmented longitudinal body portion 108. The different sized first, second and third segmented longitudinal body portions 104, 106, 108 can be coupled together to form the longitudinal body portion 114. The size and number of segmented longitudinal body portions can be combined as desired by the user. FIG. 1B shows an example of how first, second and third segmented longitudinal body portions 104, 106, 108 can be coupled to the head portion 110 containing the first ball-shaped object 102.

As an example, for a ball throwing device of thirty-three inches long, the first segmented longitudinal body portion 104 can be fourteen inches long, the second segmented longitudinal body portion 106 can be twelve inches long, the segmented longitudinal body portion 108 can be four inches long, and the head portion 110 can be three inches long.

The longitudinal body portion 114 can be of any size needed so that the user of the ball throwing training device 100 can comfortably hold the first ball-shaped object 102 while the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion 114 rests on the user's lower back. It is contemplated that the longitudinal body portion 114 can be adjusted to accommodate the height of the user. Optionally, the longitudinal body portion 114 can comprise a telescoping form, such that the first, second and third segmented body portions 104, 106, 108, and the head portion 110 retract into each other, making transportation of the device very easy.

The longitudinal body portion 114, the first, second and third segmented longitudinal body portions 104, 106 and 108, and the head portion 110 can be made from any inflexible material such as, for example, fiberglass, metal, plastic, wood, aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, steel alloy, copper tubing, bamboo, paper, glue, rubber, glass, tin, leather or brass.

The first ball-shaped object 102 can be made from any material. For example, the first ball-shaped object 102 can be made from foam, metal, plastic, rubber, glass, leather, aluminum, tin, wood, or brass. It is contemplated that the first ball-shaped object 102 will be in the form of a ball used in a sporting event, such as, for example, a baseball, football, tennis ball, soft ball, golf ball, basketball volleyball, and racquet ball. The first ball-shaped object 102 can also be a squeeze ball, a glow in the dark ball, a marble, or a weighted ball.

In one embodiment of the ball throwing training device 100, the proximal end of the first size of a longitudinal body portion 104 can be optionally coupled to a second ball-shaped object 112. The second ball-shaped object 112 can be made from any material such as, for example, foam, metal, plastic, rubber, glass, leather, aluminum, tin, wood, or brass. It is contemplated that the most common second ball-shaped object 112 will be in the form of a ball used in a sporting event such as, for example, a baseball, football, tennis ball, soft ball, golf ball, basketball, volleyball, and racquet ball. The second ball-shaped object 112 can also be a squeeze ball, a glow in the dark ball, a marble, or a weighted ball. Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a diagram of one embodiment of the ball throwing training device 100, wherein the first ball-shaped object 102 is coupled to the head portion 110 at an angle to the head portion 114. The angle of coupling of the first ball-shaped object 102 to the head portion 114 can be any angle. FIG. 2 shows the head portion 110 with a mechanical means 202 of attachment coupled at approximately a 90 degree angle to the distal end of the head portion 110. The mechanical means 202 of attachment is coupled to the first ball-shaped object 102 via a receptor 204 in the first ball-shaped object 102. The mechanical means 202 can comprise any means of attaching the head portion 110 to the first ball-shaped object, such as, for example, a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or adhesive.

Additionally, it should be noted that the first ball-shaped object 102 can either remain stationary on the mechanical means 202 of attachment, or it can rotate about the mechanical means 202 as the user rotates their wrist during use of the device, as described in further detail below.

In one embodiment of the ball throwing training device 100, the head portion 110 can have a spacer 208 added to it extend the length of the head portion 110. This allows the ball throwing training device 100 to be adapted to users of varying heights. FIG. 2A shows the head portion 110 comprising a bottom piece 206, coupled to a spacer 208, which is then coupled to a top piece 210. The parts of the head portion 110 can be coupled by any means, such as, for example, a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint or adhesive. FIG. 2B shows the head portion 110 without a spacer 208, so that the bottom piece 206 is directly coupled to the top piece 210. Optionally, head portion 110 can be coupled to either a pivot joint 302 (as shown in FIG. 3), or the head portion 110 coupled directly to the longitudinal body portion 114 (as shown in FIG. 1).

Ball Throwing Training Device with Pivot Joint

It is also contemplated that the ball throwing training device of the present invention can have a moveable portion proximate to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion 114. The movable portion can be any means in order that the distal portion of the longitudinal body portion 114 can be moved. In one embodiment of a ball throwing training device with moveable portion, the ball throwing training device with pivot joint 300, the longitudinal body portion 114 is coupled to a pivot joint 302 (FIG. 3). The pivot joint 302 causes either side of the longitudinal body portion 114 to which it is coupled to rotate about the pivot joint 302.

As with the ball throwing training device described above and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the longitudinal body portion 114 can be adjusted by the use of any number of first, second and third segmented longitudinal body portions 104, 106, 108 in order to accommodate users of different heights (FIGS. 3A and 3B). FIG. 3C shows a fourth segmented longitudinal body portion 304 that can be added to the longitudinal body portion 144. The segmented longitudinal body portions can be coupled together in any order via any mechanical means, such as, for example, a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint or adhesive.

The longitudinal body portion 114, the first, second, third and fourth segmented longitudinal body portions 104, 106, 108, and 304, and the head portion 110 can be made from any inflexible material such as, for example, fiberglass, metal, plastic, wood, aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, steel alloy, copper tubing, bamboo, paper, glue, rubber, glass, tin, leather or brass.

As with the ball throwing training device 100 previously described, the ball throwing training device with pivot joint 300 can have a first ball-shaped object 102 coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion 114, and optionally a second ball-shaped object 112 can be coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion 114.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the movable pivot joint 302. The movable pivot joint 302 comprises a top piece 402 and a bottom piece 406. FIG. 4A shows a view of the top piece 402 with pivot pin 404 of the movable pivot joint 302 from the top and FIG. 4B shows a view of the top piece 402 from the side. FIG. 4C is a view of the bottom piece 406 with pivot pin 404 from the top and FIG. 4D is a view of the bottom piece 406 from the side. Pivot pin 404 holds the top piece 402 and bottom piece 406 together. The top piece 402 has a first hole 408 for the pivot pin 404 to pass through. The bottom piece 406 has a second hole 410 for the pivot pin 404 to pass through. The top piece 402 has an elongated portion 412, which is designed to fit between the two extensions 414 of the bottom piece 406. When the elongated portion 412 from the top piece 402 is sandwiched between the two extensions 414 of the bottom piece 406, the first hole 408 and the second hole 410 line up, and the pivot pin 404 passes through and creates the movable pivot joint 302. Optionally, the movable pivot joint 302 can have a means for locking the pivot joint, making the pivot joint unmovable, as described further below.

FIG. 5 shows the motion that the movable pivot joint 302 provides for the ball throwing training device with pivot joint 300. FIG. 5A shows the movable pivot joint 302 before it is pivoted by the user. FIG. 5B shows the movable pivot joint 302 in the pivoted position. The longitudinal body portion 114 remains stationary while the head portion 110, while the first ball-shaped object 102 attached to the distal end of the head portion 110 pivots to the desired position.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a diagram of a locking mechanism 602 that is designed to lock the pivot joint 302 in a straight position. The locking mechanism 602 can be in the form of a sleeve that slides up and around the pivot joint 302, preventing the pivot joint 302 from moving. Optionally, the locking mechanism 602 can be spring loaded to provide easy use.

Optionally, the locking mechanism 602 can comprise a first opening 606 and a second opening 608. There can also be a button 604, which can be located in the bottom piece 406 of the pivot joint 302. The button 604 can be spring loaded for easy use. When the locking mechanism 602 is in the “unlocked” position, the locking mechanism 602 is below the pivot joint 302, and the button 604 is extending up through the second opening 608 in the locking mechanism 602. To activate the locking mechanism 602 and move it into the “locked” position, the user must depress the button 604 out of the second opening 608, slide the locking mechanism 602 up and over the pivot joint, and allow the button 604 to extend up through the first opening 606 in the locking mechanism 602, which prevents the locking mechanism 602 from sliding off the pivot joint 302. To disengage the locking mechanism 602, the user depresses the button 604 out of the first opening 606, slides the locking mechanism 602 down and off the pivot joint 302, and allows the button 604 to extend up through the second opening 608.

Ball Throwing Training Device with Flexible Portion

It is also contemplated that the moveable portion made out of flexible material. Referring now to FIG. 7, in one embodiment of the ball throwing training device 100, the longitudinal body portion 114 is coupled to a flexible portion 704. The flexible portion 704 has first connector 702 on the proximal end of the flexible portion 704. The first connector 702 can be coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion 114. The flexible portion 704 also has a second connector 706 attached to the distal end of the flexible portion 704. The second connector 706 is coupled to the proximal end of head portion 110. The distal end of head portion 110 has a mechanical means 202 to couple to the first ball-shaped object 102.

The flexible portion 704 is designed to be freely manipulated in any direction by the user, to achieve the desired positioning with very minimal effort. This allows for easy accommodation of users still recovering from injuries. Due to the injuries they may not be able to achieve the desired throwing position.

Ball Throwing Training Device with Straps or Harness

It is contemplated that the ball throwing training device 100 can contain a means for attaching the ball throwing training device 100 to the user. In one embodiment with a harness, the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion 104 can be coupled to a waist belt or harness to secure the ball throwing training device 100 to the user in the correct position. The use of a harness 900 is shown in FIG. 9. The harness 900 is attached to the user's waist by a first belt 910. The harness can optionally have straps 916 that extend from the first belt 910 horizontally across the user's back and is fastened around the users chest and upper back by means of a second belt 918. The second ball-shaped object 112 is attached to the first belt 910 at a location 912 in the center of the user's lower back by a first flexible means 914, such as an elastic strap or retractable cord. The harness can also be attached to the second belt 918 by a second flexible means 920, such as an elastic strap or retractable cord.

In another embodiment of the ball throwing training device 100, the proximal end of the first longitudinal body portion 114 can be strapped to the user's arm in order to secure the ball throwing training device 100 in the correct position (not shown). The straps can be located around the user's wrist and bicep.

A harness 900 or straps can also be used with the ball throwing training device with pivot joint 300 or flexible portion 704.

Use of the Ball Throwing Training Device

FIG. 8 depicts the method of using the ball throwing training device 100. The placement of the ball throwing training device 100 and movement allowed by the ball throwing training device 100 corrects the user's form, and aligns the user's elbow properly in order to avoid improper throwing form the damaging side-arm motion. The user grasps the first ball-shaped object 102 in either hand, and positions either the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion 114, or the second ball-shaped object 112, against their lower back, so that the longitudinal body portion 114 runs along the back of the user, against the user's side, under the user's arm and along the user's forearm. The user then raises their hand and arm to the desired starting position, which is ideally above shoulder height. The user then moves the ball into a second ending position that is lower than the starting position. The user moves the ball by rotating their arm forward such that the ending position is below the user's shoulder. This rotation forward can also involve some rotation of the wrist forward as well. This movement will cause the first ball-shaped object to rotate on the head portion 110, and causes the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion to move away from the user's lower back. However, the longitudinal body portion will remain against the user's side.

In the case of a ball throwing training device with pivot joint 300, the device starts in the same starting position as described above for the ball throwing training device 100. The user then moves the ball into an ending position that is lower than the starting position by rotating their arm forward. In use, the first ball shaped object is stationary relative to the head portion 110, and only the movable pivot joint 302 moves during use. FIG. 5A shows the movable pivot joint 302 in the starting position. FIG. 5B shows the movable pivot joint 302 in the ending position.

Similarly, in the ball throwing training device with flexible portion 704, the user holds the device in the starting position. The user then moves the ball into an ending position that is lower than the starting position. In use, the first ball shaped object is stationary relative to the head portion 110, and only the movable flexible portion 704 moves during use, and then automatically returns to the starting position.

When used with a harness 900, the user attaches the harness 900 by means of the first belt 910 and optional second belt 918. The second ball-shaped object 112 is attached to the first belt 910 at a location 912 in the center of the user's lower back by a first flexible means 914, such as an elastic strap or retractable cord. The harness can also be attached to the second belt 918 by a second flexible means 920, such as an elastic strap or retractable cord. The user grasps the first ball-shaped object 102 in the first starting position and moves it to the ending position. The second ball-shaped object 112 moves from a first position to a second position when the first ball-shaped object 102 is moved from the first starting position to the ending position. The harness in combination with the first flexible means 914 can provide resistance for the user's muscles.

Use of the Device as an Arm and Shoulder Strengthening Device

It is also contemplated that any of the ball throwing devices described above can be used as an arm and shoulder strengthening device. The movement described above can strengthen areas of the arm and shoulder. In use, the device engages the user's arm, shoulder, neck and trunk muscles, such as, for example, forearm flex muscles, forearm extensor muscles, biceps, triceps, deltoids, chest muscles, side muscles, and trapezius muscles. The device can be used in physical or occupational therapy as an aid to strengthen a user's arm, shoulder, and trunk muscles.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments are possible. The steps disclosed for the present methods, for example, are not intended to be limiting nor are they intended to indicate that each step is necessarily essential to the method, but instead are exemplary steps only. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of preferred embodiments contained in this disclosure. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ball throwing training device, the device comprising: a. a longitudinal body portion, the longitudinal body portion comprising a proximal end and a distal end; and b. a first ball-shaped object, the first ball-shaped object being coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal body portion comprises an inflexible material.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the inflexible material is selected from the group comprising fiberglass, metal, plastic or wood.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal body portion comprises two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein the two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size are joined together by any means.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a moveable portion proximate to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the moveable portion further comprises a locking mechanism to prevent the moveable portion from moving.
 8. The device of claim 6, wherein the moveable portion is selected from the group comprising a pivot joint, a flexible portion, or a spring mechanism.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first ball-shaped object is coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion via mechanical means.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the mechanical means is selected from the group comprising a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or an adhesive.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the first ball-shaped object can be any size.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the first ball-shaped object comprises a ball.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the first ball-shaped object is selected from the group comprising a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, or a football.
 14. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second ball-shaped object coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the second ball-shaped object can be any size.
 16. The device of claim 14, wherein the second ball-shaped object comprises a ball.
 17. The device of claim 14, wherein the second ball-shaped object is selected from the group comprising a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, or a football.
 18. The device of claim 14, wherein the second ball-shaped object can be coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion via mechanical means.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the mechanical means can comprise a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or adhesive.
 20. The device of claim 1, further comprising a strap coupled to the longitudinal body portion.
 21. A method of using the device of claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: a. grasping the first ball-shaped object in the user's hand; b. placing the longitudinal body portion underneath the user's arm against the user's side; c. placing the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion against the lower back of the user such that the user's hand holding the first ball-shaped object is above shoulder height; and d. rotating the user's arm forward such that the hand holding the first ball-shaped object rotates from above the user's shoulder below the user's shoulder; wherein rotation of the user's arm forward lifts the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion.
 22. A arm strengthening device, the device comprising: a. a longitudinal body portion, the longitudinal body portion comprising a proximal end and a distal end; and b. a first ball-shaped object, the first ball-shaped object being coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion.
 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the longitudinal body portion comprises two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size.
 24. The device of claim 22, further comprising a second ball-shaped object coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion.
 25. The device of claim 22, further comprising a strap coupled to the longitudinal body portion. 